Laptops are an investment that cost valuable money and hold precious important information. With limited information provided by manufacturers, this article guides you through the top 10 key dos and don’ts of where to store a laptop and more importantly, where not to store a laptop!
Keep your laptop safe from theft, damage and adverse weather conditions with these simple and proven steps!
In the UK, a laptop is stolen every 53 seconds! The cost of a stolen laptop can surpass £35,000! 80% of the cost of losing a laptop or device is attributable to data breaches. Source
Where to store laptop
Laptops should be stored in a flat, sturdy area that keeps them free from dust, dirt and water ingress. They should also be placed in an area that keeps them in optimal working temperatures which is typically between 5°C – 35°C (41°F – 95°F). Laptops should also be stored out of eye shot to minimize the risk of theft. They can also be locked in lockers or with a security lock for greater security. Following the dos and don’t in this article will minimize the risk of damage and theft.
Where to store a laptop – dos
Store laptop in area free of excess dust and dirt
Dust and dirt can wreak havoc with your laptop, particularly if they become lodged within the keyboard or fan. Dust may be more prevalent in a kitchen, especially if you’re baking items or using powder-based ingredients.
Workshops can also be a feeding ground for both dust and dirt. If you do work in a dirty or dusty area, a rugged laptop may be required to prevent dust or dirt ingress.
Store the area in a place where it can be locked with a security cable
Most laptops have a slot designed to fit a security cable. This enables you to lock the laptop and secure it with a cable to another object in your home to prevent theft.
A common leader in the laptop locking industry is Kensington. They are present in the majority of laptops, except for the likes of Dell, some Lenovo laptops and some notebooks which lack laptop locking slots altogether.
Store laptop in secure area to avoid theft
Purchasing a laptop is a costly investment. That along with precious projects, work and photos stored on it makes it even more valuable to you personally.
If it’s a work laptop with sensitive material on it, then you’re likely to suffer agony and headaches from it being stolen.
From answering never-ending questions to restarting a project that was saved on the laptop. Plus trying to retrieve data, some of which could be sensitive.
It’s a nightmare!
You’ll have read from above the astonishing cost associated with a laptop.
You may not own a security cable yet, in the interim, it’s a wise decision to store your laptop in a place that’s out of view.
Think about it this way – if a person looked in your window or walked into a room, they should not be able to spot the laptop when it is stored.
This doesn’t need to be an extensive ordeal either. Simply storing it in a locker (preferably locked) or place it in a laptop sleeve or laptop bag and put in your wardrobe or storage room.
If it’s a work laptop, check with your IT department on the policy for securing your laptop.
Store laptop in protective bag if carrying it in adverse weather
Sometimes it will be wet, icy or even snowing when you are walking or traveling with your laptop. If this is the case, ensure that you at a minimum place it in a laptop bag or sleeve.
If it is torrential rain, you’ll probably need to take further steps to protect it from becoming wet.
This could include placing it in a second water-resistant bag or walking with an umbrella.
Related: How To Store A Laptop For A Long Period? – Myths Debunked!
Store laptop cables and components in a safe location
Storing the laptop safely and securely is the primary concern, but many people forget to consider the laptop cables and accessories. Cables will also need to be stored safely to ensure that they don’t become damaged.
The battery charger is an important component, and it will need to be protected in the same way that you protect the laptop.
This includes protecting it from dust, dirt, water and temperature extremes.
Don’t neglect to hide the battery charger away from opportunistic eyes.
Tip: Assign a dedicated and safe storage area for both your laptop and accessories.
Where to store laptop – don’ts
Don’t stack laptops on top of each other
Laptops tend to weigh anywhere from an average 2 – 8 pounds. You may get away with stacking one laptop on top of another.
However, stacking laptops on each other is a poor choice for a multitude of reasons.
- First, the weight of the laptop pressing down on the laptops beneath it could damage delicate components of the laptops being sandwiched beneath it.
- Secondly, if the pile of laptops is too high, they are subject to falling and becoming damaged.
- Finally, if they’re stacked on top of each other, it’s likely that they could become scratched.
Plus, it’s also an easy target for a thief!
Laptop rack storage systems are one of the best options for storing laptops, especially if you have a good few of them. Even in your home, most of your family members are likely to have a laptop.
A laptop rack could be a convenient way to safely hold them in place.
Don’t store laptops in an area they could get wet
It’s common sense to keep the laptop away from sources of liquid. However, many of us sit down with a cup of tea or coffee or even glass of water next to our laptop practically every day. Below are some considerations to take on board which could reduce the risk of laptop water damage.
- Is the beverage placed in such a way that it won’t be easily knocked over by paperwork or your hand reaching for something?
- Could you switch to a travel mug or water bottle to prevent the amount of liquid spilling out?
- Is your laptop stored in damp room or next to a window that could allow rain in?
Don’t store laptops in an area that the fan could be blocked
While this point applies more to while the laptop is being used, it’s still worth bearing in mind.
Many of us use our laptop by resting it on a couch, on our lap or on the bed. This can lead to the laptop fans becoming blocked.
This could ultimately result in the laptop overheating.
Storing the laptop on a table or laptop stand while using it in bed or on the sofa can ensure that the fans don’t become obstructed. Here’s a link to the review of the laptop stand I can’t live without.
Related: How To Choose A Laptop Desk? 12 Expert Tips & Dos & Dont’s!
Don’t store laptops in an area that could have extreme temperatures
Laptops and laptop chargers are not designed to withstand extreme ranges of temperatures. Each laptop manufacturer differs in what they classify as optimal temperatures for using and storing laptops. For instance:
- Lenovo considers extreme temperatures to be below 5°C/41°F or above 35°C/95°F.
- Dell classifies operating temperatures as being between 0° to 35°C (32° to 95°F).
After reading these temperatures, you may be surprised that the temperatures are not all that extreme. It’s rather common for temperatures to drop below 5°C/41°F during the winter.
With that in mind, consider what rooms and storage areas will be most suited to prevent extremes of cold or hot temperatures.
Where to store laptop in cold weather:
- Opt for storing your laptop in rooms that are heated.
- Rooms should be well-ventilated and insulated. Avoid storing laptops in windy rooms in cold weather which can further drop the temperature.
- Padded laptop bags can minimize the cold impacting on the laptop.
Where to store laptop in hot weather:
- Storing laptops in lockers that are sheltered from the sun can help keep them cool.
- Don’t position your laptop in direct sunlight.
- Place the laptop in a room that is shaded during the day
- If you need to work in a sunny warm room, sit in a corner of the room that has the least sunlight.
- Close curtains or blinds in a room to keep the area colder.
Tip: Cars are not suitable for storing laptops as they can become very cold and warm.
Don’t store laptops in your car for extended times
Cars are not ideal for storing laptops for 2 primary reasons.
- Firstly, they are an easy target for thieves.
- Secondly, they offer little to no temperature control and can become extremely cold and hot.
If you must leave your laptop in your car, aim to keep it to as short a duration as possible.
Store it in the trunk so it’s out of eye shot. The trunk is also cooler during hot weather.
Conclusion
Following some basic steps for storing your laptop can keep it free from damage and theft. Common sense goes a long way but adding these nuggets of information to your repertoire will give you the edge above everyone else, especially burglars.
Do you own a laptop security lock or are you considering investing in one?
I’d love to hear your feedback and any queries that you may have! Please leave them in the comments box below and I’ll be sure to get back to you!